Photo: A Man Peddles Exotic Durian In Zamboanga City

An unidentified man peddles his durian along R.T. Lim Blvd. in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines. This larger-than-life fruit of the Malaysian tree can weigh up to 10 pounds, has a brownish-green, semi-hard shell covered with thick spikes, and is slightly larger than a football. To all but its Southeast Asian fans, the durian has a nauseating smell, a truth attested to by the fact that it’s been outlawed by many airlines ans hotels. The creamy, slightly sweet flesh, however, has an exquisitely rich, custard-like texture. Fresh durian can also be frozen, canned and preserved. It is considered as an aphrodisiac in the Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo Service)